LEIGH GRIFFITHS will finish the season at Easter Road after Hibs manager Pat Fenlon finally persuaded Wolves to extend his loan deal.

The jubilant Irishman delivered the news the Hibees supporters were so desperate to hear just a few days before his initial agreement was due to end.

And in a further boost to Fenlon, defender Ryan McGivern has also been given the go-ahead by Manchester City to see out the final months of the campaign in the SPL. Now the Hibs gaffer has set his sights on a loan hat-trick by keeping influential midfielder Jorge Claros.

Griffiths — who will take on former club Dundee at home on Saturday — said: “This season has been the most enjoyable of my career so far and I’m really pleased to be staying at Hibs.

“I’ve been playing for the team I support and scoring goals to help us challenge near the top of the table.

“Now the loan deal has been extended I can focus on my football and repay the club and the manager for continuing to show their faith in me.”

The 22-year-old’s stunning form with Hibs earned him his first Scotland cap in November’s friendly in Luxembourg.

Northern Ireland stopper McGivern has made 14 appearances for Hibs since arriving in August and has firmly established himself in the first team.

The 23-year-old said: “Ever since I moved here to Hibs, I’ve felt part of the club and I’m really pleased to be able to stay here until the end of the season.

“I’ve been playing regular first-team football, which was my main aim, and I’ve learned a huge amount since August.

“The fans have been great with me.”

Fenlon couldn’t disguise his joy and added: “We are delighted to be able to keep both players until the end of the season.

“Both Leigh and Ryan have made massive contributions to the team and have been good for us.

“This news gives everybody connected to the club a boost.”

Meanwhile, back-up keeper Sean Murdoch has also extended his contract until the end of the season.